Virtual reality is getting better and better. However, scientists haven’t gotten too far yet when it comes to taste simulation. That may be changing with some big strides that were made by a group of researchers from the University of Tokyo in Japan. They managed to create a machine that would change the taste of a single cookie into seven different cookie tastes.

The researchers created their device by acknowledging and accepting the fact that taste is a complicated thing. It’s not just about what touches your taste buds. Taste is also affected by sight, smell and even your personal memories. The device that they created (which they showcased at the SIGGRAPH computer graphics and animation conference in Los Angeles) attempted to address some of those factors.

The device is a machine that is placed over the head of the wearer. It relies on augmented reality technology to help trick the taste buds into thinking that they’re tasting things that they are not. It displays the image of the cookie that you’re supposed to be tasting. This helps to suggest what the texture of the cookie is. It also uses an air pump to release smells to enhance the experience.

For example, if the wearer is supposed to be tasting an oatmeal raisin cookie then that’s the image that will display. This reminds the person that the texture of such a cookie is a bit grainy and lumpy. The smell is of fresh baked oatmeal raisin cookies. So, although the person is eating a plain cookie, it tastes like an oatmeal raisin cookie.

Do you remember the meal-as-gum machine in the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Violet chews the gum and she can taste the several different courses that make up the meal. Perhaps we’re not too far off from that kind of reality after all? Let’s just hope we don’t all blow up into blueberries during the testing phase!

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